Tropical Disturbance (TD07F) was located near 16.4 degrees south latitude and 178.4 degrees east longitude or about 70km north-northwest of Labasa or 100km west-northwest of Udu Point at 6pm today.

TD07F has picked up speed and moved faster than anticipated.

It’s currently moving east-northeast at 30km/hr and expected to pass very close to Vanua Levu this evening. On the current track, TD07F is anticipated to lie east of Udu Point tomorrow and likely to further intensify into a Tropical Depression as it moves towards Samoa.

However, the associated trough, cloud, rain, fresh to strong and gusty winds are expected to affect the parts of the Group until tomorrow and the following Warnings and Alerts remain in force but will be gradually lift from tomorrow:

1. A “Heavy Rain Warning” remains in force Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lomaiviti and Lau Groups.

2. A “Strong Wind Warning” remains in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands and the northern Lau Group.

3. A “Heavy Rain Alert” remains in force for the rest of Fiji.

4. A “Strong Wind Warning” remains in force for the Land Areas and Waters of Rotuma.

5. A “Strong Wind Warning” remains in force for northern Vanua Levu and the Lau Waters, Koro Sea, Vatu-i-ra and Kadavu passages.

6. A “Flood Alert” remains in force for low-lying areas and small streams for Vanua Levu, western parts of Viti Levu and now in force for Vatukacevaceva downstream to Rakiraki Town and downstream of Nasivi to Tavua Town.

For Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lau, and Lomaiviti Group, expect periods of rain, heavy times and squally thunderstorms with rain easing to showers tomorrow. Strong west to northwesterly winds with speeds of 40km/hr to 50km/hr, gusts to 65km/hr and gradually becoming moderate to fresh later tomorrow.

For the Rest of Fiji, expect some showers and isolated thunderstorms over southern and eastern Viti Levu, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands. Elsewhere, showers especially in the afternoon or evening showers with isolated heavy falls.

Over Rotuma, expect periods of rain and squally thunderstorm, strong north to northwest winds 40km/hr to 55km/hr and gusting to 70km/hr.

For northern Vanua Levu and the Lau Waters, Koro Sea, Vatu-I-Ra and Kadavu passage, northwesterly winds 20 to 25 knots, gusts to 35knots with rough to very rough seas and moderate northwesterly swells.

For the rest of Fiji Waters, expect east to southwest winds 15 to 20 knots and gusty at times with moderate to rough seas and moderate northerly swells.

The chance of flash flooding and flooding of low lying areas still remains high in areas of localized heavy falls especially where the ground is very saturated.

The situation will be closely monitored for any new developments and all communities are advised to remain prepared at all times, especially when we are in the tropical and wet season and weather can change rapidly over short period.